Nigerian Army Rescues 14 Kidnapped Victims, Recovers 281 Rustled Livestock in Sokoto Operation
By Fahad Faruk Galadanchi
Troops of the Nigerian Army’s 8 Division Garrison have rescued 14 kidnapped persons and recovered 281 rustled livestock after repelling a bandit attack in Horo Birni Village, Shagari Local Government Area of Sokoto State.
Security sources said the operation was launched on Tuesday after troops received credible intelligence and distress calls from residents that armed bandits had invaded the community, abducted villagers and made away with a large number of livestock.
Acting swiftly, the troops tracked the fleeing assailants and engaged them in a fierce gun battle. Overpowered by the military’s superior firepower, the bandits reportedly fled into the surrounding bush with suspected gunshot wounds, abandoning their captives and the stolen animals.
Following the confrontation, soldiers carried out a clearance operation in the area and successfully rescued all 14 abducted civilians.
Items recovered during the operation included 195 cows, 84 sheep, two camels and two motorcycles believed to have been left behind by the fleeing criminals.
The rescued victims were said to be in good condition and have been taken to a secure location for profiling before being reunited with their families.
The security source described the operation as another significant breakthrough in the military’s ongoing offensive against banditry in the North West, noting that the timely intervention prevented further casualties and substantial economic losses.
He attributed the success to prompt intelligence from residents and the strong collaboration among security agencies, urging members of the public to continue providing useful information to security operatives.
The latest operation is part of sustained counter-banditry efforts under Operation FANSAN YAMMA, which has continued to intensify military operations against criminal groups across Sokoto, Zamfara and neighbouring states.
